5 Hidden Gems in the NFL Draft the 49ers Should Consider
No. 3: Tight End Gerald Everett
With the 2017 tight end class being fantastic, many of the big names such as O.J. Howard or David Njoku are dominating the headlines.
Coming from South Alabama, TE Gerald Everett has the potential to be elite, like the rest of the tight ends in this draft.
Evaluating Everett’s Numbers
Everett may not have the gaudy numbers that his peers posted this past season, but take into account he was at South Alabama. He possesses more potential than this numbers may show.
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2014 | UAB | CUSA | JR | TE | 7 | 17 | 292 | 17.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 292 | 17.2 | 1 | |
| 2015 | South Alabama | Sun Belt | SR | TE | 12 | 41 | 575 | 14.0 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 0.9 | 4 | 49 | 582 | 11.9 | 12 |
| 2016 | South Alabama | Sun Belt | SR | TE | 12 | 49 | 717 | 14.6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 717 | 14.6 | 4 | |
| Career | Overall | 107 | 1584 | 14.8 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 0.9 | 4 | 115 | 1591 | 13.8 | 17 | ||||
| UAB | 17 | 292 | 17.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 292 | 17.2 | 1 | ||||||
| South Alabama | 90 | 1292 | 14.4 | 12 | 8 | 7 | 0.9 | 4 | 98 | 1299 | 13.3 | 16 |
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 2/23/2017.
He’s constantly improved, after transferring from Alabama-Birmingham, catching 49 passes for 717 yards this past season.
According to CBS Sports, Everett had the fourth highest total receiving yards. He’s far ahead of tight ends David Njoku, O.J. Howard and Bucky Hodges in total yards, who are all projected ahead of Everett.
Evaluating Everett’s Tape
Although Everett’s undersized for a tight end at 6-foot-3, he doesn’t fear blocking defensive ends or linebackers. In this game against NC State, taken from DraftBreakdown.com, Everett shows his ability to run block.
He’s not blowing people back, but he does a sufficient job in holding the block and allowing the runner to make his move:
Next, he shows his ability to catch the ball.
Although his route running still needs improvement, he’s able to beat defenders on pure athleticism:
In a game against Mississippi State this past season, Everett makes a beautiful catch in between two defenders showing his ability to catch in narrow windows.
This gave South Alabama the lead late on the way to an upset:
His route-running in these last two clips show that it still needs refinement. In order to be successful at the pro level, Everett will need to run more crisp routes.
Scouts’ Take on Everett
As part of CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler’s assessment, he thought that Gerald Everett isn’t far behind the top tier of tight ends. He adds that Everett has good ball skills to make tough grabs and the aggressive hands to be a solid blocker.
From watching these two games, Everett certainly a bit undersized and has the raw tools to be successful. He won’t necessarily beat defenders with routes, but with good athleticism and hands, Everett consistently makes plays.
Final Thoughts
TE Gerald Everett would be a fantastic, late-round addition for the San Francisco 49ers. With current tight ends, Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek underwhelming, John Lynch should look to add one in the draft.
Look no further than Everett, who may not be polished yet, but has the ability to be a steal if he can put it all together in the NFL.